2000 MERCEDES-BENZ S55AMG service indicator

235 Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N”
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 242 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electronic key from the starter switch, take the
KEYLESS-GO-card (if so equipped) with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Children could move the gear selector lever
from position “P”, which could result in an
accident or serious injury.

260 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
•For a more precise setting the speed can be
increased in increments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
by briefly pulling the control lever in direction (4).
Caution!
If the driver’s foot is not fully removed from the
accelerator pedal, the Distronic control system will be
overridden and it will not regulate the preset vehicle
speed and following distance. The vehicle speed and
following distance will be determined only by the
accelerator pedal position.Invalid attempts to activate
The multifunction display will show “–––” during
invalid attempts to activate Distronic:
•below a speed of approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h),
•while the electronic stability program (ESP) is
switched off – ESP warning lampv in
speedometer dial is illuminated, see page 114,
•by moving the distronic control lever in “RESUME”
direction (4) when no speed is stored in memory,
•during the initialization and self-test phase after the
engine is started – this can take up to 2 minutes,
•while depressing the service brake pedal,
•while the parking brake is set – check ;warning
lamp (Canada: !) in instrument cluster, see
page 114,
•with the gear selector lever in position “P”, “R”
or “N” – check gear range indicator display in
instrument cluster, see page 114.
Wa r n i n g !
Distronic brakes (up to 20% of vehicle braking
power) the vehicle to restore the preset distance or
to maintain the speed. The brake pedal is
automatically retracted as this happens.Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times, including
the area under the brake pedal. Objects stored in
this area may impair pedal movement which could
interfere with the braking ability of the Distronic
system.Do not place your foot under the brake pedal – your
foot could become caught.

296 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic
key in steering lock to position 2, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic
components of the exhaust gases within permissible
limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function properly only
when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center qualified technicians. Engine adjustments
should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the
specified service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements.
For details refer to the Service Booklet.On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
Wa r n i n g !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide,
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
lead to death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined
and corrected immediately. If you must drive under
these conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open.

318 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
* C = Category, see page 303.
1 The engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil
level indicator on page 154.
2 There is no oil in the engine. There is a danger of engine damage.3 There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter. The
engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil level
indicator on page 154.
4 The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
Check the engine oil level immediately. See Engine oil level
indicator on page 154 and check the engine for visible leakage
(loss of oil).
Possibility of water in the engine oil. Have the engine oil checked.
5 The measuring system is malfunctioning.
When the “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – CHECK LEVEL!”
message appears while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The engine oil level warnings should not be ignored.
Extended driving with the symbol displayed could
result in serious engine damage that is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1Line 2C*
ENG INE OIL LEVE L CHECK LEVEL!
1
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL STOP, ENGINE OFF!
2
1
ENGINE OIL LEVEL REDUCE OIL LEVEL
3
2
ENGINE OIL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL VISIT WORKSHOP!
5
2

407 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Exterior rear view mirrors
Electrically folding .................................................... 109
Parking position ........................................................ 108
FFirst aid kit .....................................................................328
Flexible service system (FSS) ...................................... 147
Footwell lighting ............................................................ 189
Front airbags .................................................................... 94
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation ......................................... 175
Front seat adjustment ..................................................... 67
Fuel
Gasoline additives ....................................................398
Premium unleaded gasoline ................. 291, 395, 397
Fuel cap placement warning
See CHECK ENGINE
malfunction indicator lamp ................................296
Fuel filler flap, manual release ...................................368
Fuel requirements .........................................................397
Fuel reserve warning ....................................................299
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities ...............394
Fuses, electrical .............................................................329
GGarage door opener ...................................................... 206
Gasoline
Additives .................................................................... 398
Fuel requirements ................................................... 397
Premium unleaded .................................................. 397
General notes on the
central locking system ............................................... 33
Glove box ......................................................................... 194HHazard warning flasher switch ................................... 163
Head restraints, front seats
Removal and installation ...........................................72
Head restraints, rear seat ............................................... 80
Power head restraints ................................................. 81
Headlamp cleaning system ........................................... 159
Headlamp mode (HEADLAMPS) .................................. 157
Headlights ....................................................................... 156
Heated seats ......................................................................75
Hood .................................................................................331
HOOD -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 320

412 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Remote control .......................................................... 28, 34
Battery replacement .................................................363
Removal and installation of
front seat head restraints .......................................... 72
Replacing bulbs ..............................................................356
Replacing wiper blades .................................................370
Reporting Safety Defects ................................................ 15
Reserve key ....................................................................... 30
Residual engine heat utilization (REST) .................... 174
Roadside assistance ......................................................... 10
Roadside assistance call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 214
Roof rack ......................................................................... 371
SSeat belts ........................................................................... 84
Fastening ...................................................................... 87
Operation ..................................................................... 88
Seat belt nonusage warning system ........................ 85
Unfastening .................................................................. 88
Warning lamp ............................................................302
Seat belts and integrated restraint system .................. 84
Seat heater ........................................................................ 75
Seat ventilation system ................................................... 78Seats
Front seat adjustment ................................................67
Lumbar support ........................................................... 73
Multicontour backrest ................................................73
Seat heater ...................................................................75
Ventilation system ...................................................... 78
SELECTOR LEVER -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 323
Service indicator
See Flexible service system (FSS) .......................... 147
Setting the audio volume ..............................................146
Side impact airbags .........................................................96
Simultaneous .................................................................... 44
Simultaneous use of
electronic main key and
KEYLESS-GO-card .......................................................44
Sliding/pop-up roof ........................................................ 184
Emergency operation .............................................. 369
Express opening ........................................................ 185
Opening and closing ...................................................45
Synchronizing ........................................................... 186
Snow chains ................................................................... 249
SOS-call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 214
Spare parts service ....................................................... 384
Spare wheel ....................................................................341